Lake View Drive-In Marlin, TX

Lunch Stop on the Road

We didn't have tons of lunch options at 11:30 in small-town, Marlin. But Don and I were more than game to try the non-chain restaurant with the words Drive-In on their sign. In fact there were 3 different signs, when we pulled in the lot. 

There was no confusion about where we were.

Drive In?

As we approached the lot, I tried to determine if the place was still a drive-in. There was a lot of covered parking, at least. 
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Love Those Windows!

As we walked under the covering, I saw no signs of curb service, but I could see the original vintage walk-up window. And I could see a red SUV, pulled up to a drive-thru window. We walked past yet another sign, as we headed inside.  "Welcome Ya'll" 

Since 1946
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We joined a line right away and began studying the wall. I was excited to see the words above the menu. "Serving Marlin With Pride Est. 1946" I love a small town diner, that's older than me! 

The Kitchen

The line moved quickly, so we were suddenly standing at the doorway to the kitchen. The lower half of the door was closed, while a young woman took our order. 

I took a good moment to peek in at the cozy kitchen, with ice cream freezer and the windows that tilted outward. There were a lot of people in that small kitchen, but they all seemed to maneuver around each other, in good spirits.

​Two Rooms

We took our little wooden order-piece with #4 and headed through the first room, past a table of orange vests.

In the Back Room

As we waited for our food, I took a good look at all the western and country decor in the room. I liked the little horse hook, holding the worn hat. I noticed that no one in the room had their food and I worried for a moment that we might be in for a big wait.
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Food!

Suddenly, it seemed like every employee that I'd seen in the kitchen, had entered the room at once, carrying trays of steaming food! It was humorous and a little amazing.  I felt like I should offer a toast... or a prayer!

​Yum!

Of course I didn't. Instead I opened up my Patty Melt, with grilled onions and pickles and dug in. It tasted so much better than it looked! Maybe that's why all the locals seemed to be eating theirs, while in the wrapper. I used a lot of napkins.

Don had the daily special. Chicken fried chicken with green beans, mashed potatoes and roll. The chicken was surprisingly moist and the gravy was extra delicious.

Off We Go

We finished up and headed out to hit the road. Before I climbed in the car I stopped. "Wait! Where's the lake view?" I had to wander back a bit to get a peek at some water.  Maybe in 1946, there were no trees.

The view was not the highlight of our meal and the drive-in, was more of a drive-thru.  But the food and service was pretty good!